When the Indians brought in Terry Francona, Nick Swisher and Michael Bourn during the offseason two years ago, it changed the course of the franchise. Year one was a step in the right direction. Year two was a step back. Which brings us to the winter before year three, a pivotal one for the Indians. The IBI's Hayden Grove begins his series looking at what the Indians need to do to become a winner next season, and the first step is getting those big acquisitions from two years ago back to form.

While the MLB postseason is not over, the Hot Stove season has already begun. The minute teams have ended their season or been eliminated from the playoffs we have had writers who are not close to teams making pronouncements that certain players are already on the market. One of those was a claim by ESPN's Buster Olney that the Athletics will put third baseman Josh Donaldson on the market this offseason. The IBI's Jeff Ellis believes he would be a great fit if he is available, but the cost to acquire him would be enormous.

It's an exciting time in Cleveland sports! Who are you most excited about: the Indians, Browns, or Cavs? In this MLB News and Notes segment, the IBI's Andrew Zajac will be giving occasional reports on the latest news and rumors throughout the MLB. Today's piece focuses on the Diamondbacks hiring Chip Hale as their new manager, an opinion about Francisco Lindor in 2015, which pitchers are most likely to receive a qualifying offer, and more.

After a frustrating showing this season by the offense, the focus this offseason by a great many fans will be to upgrade the lineup to add more offense. But while the IBI's Tony Lastoria agrees that improving the lineup is important, he wonders just how important it really is when you compare the Indians to their peers offensively. He also looks at some looming payroll issues for the team, how close they may be to a World Series contender and more.

Welcome to the third annual edition of the IBI Awards! At the end of every year, we here at IBI vote on various categories relating to Cleveland baseball as we continue looking back on 2014 ahead of our 2015 offseason coverage. Today is the eighth and final installment of the IBI Awards, the Most Outstanding Minor Leaguer. Join Jim Piascik and the rest of IBI to find out which minor leaguers caught their eyes and who came out on top.

According to IBI newcomer Graydon Fox, the Cleveland Indians should make a bold move this offseason to help them win the American League Central Division. That bold move would be Victor Martinez, who is an MVP candidate for the Detroit Tigers and is set to hit the free agent market at the age of 36. How he fits on the roster financially and positionally would be tricky, but Graydon thinks trading one of Michael Bourn or Nick Swisher could be the key.

Welcome to the third annual edition of the IBI Awards! At the end of every year, we here at IBI vote on various categories relating to Cleveland baseball as we continue looking back on 2014 ahead of our 2015 offseason coverage. Today is the seventh installment of the IBI Awards, the Best New Addition. Cleveland was hurt in 2014 by drop-offs from quite a few established players but one thing that kept the team in the race throughout the season were the new additions to the team. Join Jim Piascik and the rest of IBI to find out who IBI rated as the best of this bunch of new faces.

They teased. They winked. And they beckoned. But when the final chapter closed on the 162-game journey, the Indians fell just short of the postseason and a spot to play in October. So what's next? IBI Tribe beat reporter Jim Berdysz says the front office should not sit on their hands this offseason like last winter, and instead go out and continue to add to the young and rising Indians.

Welcome to the third annual edition of the IBI Awards! At the end of every year, we here at IBI vote on various categories relating to Cleveland baseball as we continue looking back on 2014 ahead of our 2015 offseason coverage. Today is the sixth installment of the IBI Awards, the Most Surprising Player. Join Jim Piascik and the rest of IBI to see which surprises (both positive and negative) impressed them in 2014.

It's finally the weekend! In this MLB News and Notes segment, the IBI's Andrew Zajac will be giving occasional reports on the latest news and rumors throughout the MLB. Today's piece focuses on the Yankees extending Brian Cashman, one Indians coach is named a finalist for a managerial job, where Nelson Cruz was close to landing last offseason, and more.

Welcome to the third annual edition of the IBI Awards! At the end of every year, we here at IBI vote on various categories relating to Cleveland baseball as we continue looking back on 2014 ahead of our 2015 offseason coverage. Today is the fifth installment of the IBI Awards, the Most Valuable Reliever. Join Jim Piascik and the rest of IBI to see how the voting on the bullpen shaped up after the jump.

Katy Perry will perform at halftime of this year's Super Bowl. Good or bad idea? In this MLB News and Notes segment, the IBI's Andrew Zajac will be giving occasional reports on the latest news and rumors throughout the MLB. Today's piece focuses on JJ Hardy's contract extension, two Indians coaches up for managerial jobs, an update on James Shields, and more.

Welcome to the third annual edition of the IBI Awards! At the end of every year, we here at IBI vote on various categories relating to Cleveland baseball as we continue looking back on 2014 ahead of our 2015 offseason coverage. Today is the fourth installment of the IBI Awards, the Least Valuable Pitcher. There was some debate at the top of the list, but in the end, one pitcher stood alone. Join Jim Piascik and the rest of IBI to see the results after the jump.

The American League Championship Series is growing closer and both the Royals and Orioles will look to reach the World Series for the first time in over two decades. The IBI's Jay Frierson notes their looming matchup, the Indians payroll situation for next year, and more...

Welcome to the third annual edition of the IBI Awards! At the end of every year, we here at IBI vote on various categories relating to Cleveland baseball as we continue looking back on 2014 ahead of our 2015 offseason coverage. Today is the third installment of the IBI Awards, the Least Valuable Hitter. Unlike in the voting for Most Valuable Hitter and Most Valuable Pitcher, the vote was not unanimous, so join Jim Piascik and the rest of IBI to see the results after the jump.

Indians president Mark Shapiro did an interview with Crain’s magazine on Tuesday on the state of the team and the plans he and Chris Antonetti have going into the offseason. The IBI's Jay Frierson recaps what Shapiro said about the current state of the team and their plans for the offseason.

The Indians went into spring training last year with a major question mark at third base. Fast forward 162 games later, and while Lonnie Chisenhall had a solid overall showing this season, his inconsistency both offensively and defensively leaves the Indians with a big question going into next season: Who is on third base? IBI newcomer Sam Camp makes his site debut with a look at the potential options to fill the third base void.

Welcome to the third annual edition of the IBI Awards! At the end of every year, we here at IBI vote on various categories relating to Cleveland baseball as we continue looking back on 2014 ahead of our 2015 offseason coverage. Today is the second installment of the IBI Awards, the Most Valuable Pitcher. Just like in the Most Valuable Hitter, a singular name stood out. To see where everyone not named Corey Kluber ranked, join Jim Piascik and the rest of IBI after the jump.

Fall is settling in as the temperatures begin to get cooler. Are you prepared for it? In this MLB News and Notes segment, the IBI's Andrew Zajac will be giving occasional reports on the latest news and rumors throughout the MLB. Today's piece focuses on the uncertainty surrounding the Detroit Tigers for next season, the Twins received permission to interview another managerial candidate, a possible trade partner for Giancarlo Stanton, and more.

With the offseason here there is going to be a lot of wishing, praying, hoping and demanding for the Indians to sign certain free agents, trade certain players and try and trade for others and change the roles of some players. Such is life during the Hot Stove season, a season which will kick off in just a few weeks shortly after the conclusion of the World Series. The IBI's Tony Lastoria looks at the rampant speculation that Jason Kipnis will move off second base and explains why he will stay put at the start of the 2015 season.

Available IBI Books

The 2014 Cleveland Indians Baseball Insider book featuring the Indians' Top 100 Prospects and more is now available. Also, previous editions from 2008-2012 are also available at a discounted rate. Just click on the book image for more information. Thanks again for all the support!